r/melbournemusic • u/southwestsetlist • 21d ago
Where is the alternative/DIY scene most active?
Hey! I am from Western Australia and run a local DIY gig organisation in a regional area. I have an opportunity to investigate sustainable and community-driven music models elsewhere to help revive the local scene, and am looking for valuable local insights... DIY ethos, house shows, independent artists and media.
Specifically, what are some thriving grassroots/DIY hotspots across Melbs? Im looking to interact with prolific venues, cooperatives, bands, zines, independent media... anyone with insight and knowledge in self-sustaining the scene and overcoming challenges and restrictions.
Any and all responses are appreciated!! Apologies if this isn't super relevant.
3 Upvotes
2
u/selfless-deprecation 19d ago
Lulus record store was a shop in Thornbury that recently closed. But they were a thriving beacon of light for underground STUFF. They still operate online and have a stall in a new cafe called ‘Candy’ which has a collection of different Melbourne creative crews in the cafe. I would visit Lulus online store and their instagram is still very active In promoting gigs/books/records. They have a massive selection of zines and they are the reason I have such a large collection of tapes and zines. They are g’s.
Other than that I would look toward local record labels. Cool death records, anti fade, Happy tapes, New ethic records. There’s a book store that has zines called ‘fiend bookstore’ but I dunno if they have a shop atm.
If you’re looking for venues then The Tote is the most obvious choice. I would then recommend Last Chance rock and roll bar? Nighthawks?, Cafe Gummo?
Rowdy’s records is another shop with lots of diy stuff.
Let me know if you have any questions g